Noritake Garden
The famous Noritake factory (the birthplace of the modern ceramic industry in Japan) is surrounded by beautiful, lush gardens, and there is a craft centre where visitors can see how ceramics are made and even try their hand at it themselves. There is also a museum displaying early Noritake ceramics items, including wonderful pieces from the art deco and art nouveau periods.

Noritake Square, 1-3, Noritake-shinmachi, 3-chome, Nishi-ku
Tel: (052) 561 7290.
Website: www.noritake-elec.com/garden
Admission charge.

Higashiyama Zoo, Botanical Gardens and Sky Tower
This comprehensive park with a zoo, botanical garden and amusement park is located in the eastern part of Nagoya. Koalas, giraffes and elephants can be seen in the zoo, while the botanic garden boasts a large greenhouse and flower gardens. The Sky Tower has an observation room 100m (328ft) above the ground that offers great views of Nagoya. A very nice restaurant is located on the top floor.

3-70 Higashiyama-motomachi, Chikusa-ku

Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Tel: (052) 782 2111.
Website: www.higashiyama.city.nagoya.jp
Admission charge.

Sky Tower
Tel: (052) 781 5586.
Website: www.higashiyamaskytower.jp (Japanese only)
Admission charge.